Zimbabwe: Young Africa Marks 25 Years With 693 New Skilled Workers

What the report says

Young Africa Zimbabwe has marked 25 years of vocational training by graduating 693 young people from centres in Chitungwiza, Epworth and the Care2Share programme, according to 263Chat, distributed by AllAfrica. The new graduates completed training in 16 trades, including motor mechanics, welding, solar technology, electronics, bakery, early childhood development and auto-electrics.

The ceremony, held in Zimbabwe, also highlighted the organisation’s wider reach over the past quarter-century. Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training permanent secretary Solomon Mhlanga said Young Africa had helped more than 50,000 young people, especially those from low-income and marginalised communities, gain technical and vocational skills. He said the model shows the value of cooperation among government, civil society and international partners.

Women made up 56% of the latest class, with many entering trades that have traditionally been male-dominated. The ministry said 118 graduates were already economically active, including 92 employed people and 26 running businesses. Young Africa country director Susan Madodo said the organisation’s work supports Zimbabwe’s youth empowerment and development plans and is aimed at improving employment creation.

The report also noted that Young Africa combines practical and classroom learning, followed by industrial attachment, and links graduates to savings groups, microloans and other post-training support. Support for the programme has come from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its embassy in Zimbabwe and the OAK Foundation.